Diversion ( Dmitry Sches)

This is the new updated version with a nicer looking GUI and added features. 
Rather heavy on CPU power but Diversion is an immaculate sounding vst and is certainly one of the top picks.Very impressive sequential sounds and pads in particular. I love the sample import feature where you can also edit the samples. A must have!!!

Diversion is a versatile, high quality software synthesizer, designed for use in any genre of professional electronic music production. Diversion takes the full advantage of modern processors to bring you the perfect sound quality that fits standards of hardware synthesizers.

Diversion offers 4 oscillators with a wide range of different waveforms with a near to zero level of aliasing. The oscillators generate sounds in real-time by using our algorithms, which don't degrade the sound quality at high frequencies. All waveforms have two independent parameters X and Y allowing you to adjust the timbre of the produced sound. The oscillators also feature such synthesis techniques as FM, RM, wave shaping and filtering.

Since version 1.2 Diversion offers comprehensive Wavetable Editor, which allows to load arbitrary single cycle WAV files. With new Wavetable Editor it is possible to edit waveforms both in time and frequency space as well as apply different effects. Since version 1.3, Diversion provides sample playback with granular synthesis and output audio recording.

Two bus processors in Diversion allow you to transform the oscillators' output into a wide variety of possible sounds. Each bus processor consists of a stereo filter with lots of different modes, distortion and LO-FI section. We have implemented many filter modes and types of saturation stages to bring you a great armoury for creating arbitrary patches, including popular Trance, Psy, Dub Step and Ambient sounds.

Diversion's effects matrix Diversion uses two flexible FX lines for a separated processing of each bus processor?s output. With the separated FX processing you can make lots of layered sounds, even which has two parts located in two fully independent sound spaces. Up to 8 effect instances can be stacked in one FX line, which is enough to create any desired processing chain.

Typically, after a non-linear processing of the waveform inside the oscillators and bus processors, digital aliasing can occur. Diversion takes care of this by using oversampling up to 8X within a whole processing path, excluding FX section. Models of all processing modules in Diversion are designed using at least 2X oversampling. This allows Diversion to achieve a perfect sound quality with an insignificant level of aliasing.

Many parameters in Diversion can be modulated by 4 LFOs, 4 ADSR Envelopes, 4 MSEGs and one XY-controller, called Master Morph. These options, along with use of the Modulation Matrix, can really breathe life into a sound. Of course, automation and midi controllers are supported.
Diversion's GUI offers easy to use modulation assignments. Just right-click on the knob and select the desired modulation source. Right-click again, hold the mouse and drag to define the modulation range. Actually, you don't need to use Modulation Matrix!

Last but not least, Diversion features a 32-step Arpeggiator / Sequencer and a 16-step Trance Gate module, which turns Diversion into a full-fledged workstation.

Changes in version 1.4:
Implemented new GUI design

 

Native Instruments Reaktor 6 v6.0.1

 

Amazing update  to an already great piece of software. This has a multitude of instruments and a great effects section too. Still exploring all these at the moment but one that i have fell in love with is the Metaphsical sculpting drone machine. If your into ambient scapes like me it's a winner!

MODULAR DSP LAB
Build custom synths, samplers, effects, and sound design tools
Experiment with rack-style modular patching using Blocks
Discover 70+ included instruments plus thousands of sounds in the User Library

TRUE SONIC PLAYGROUND
REAKTOR 6 is the ultimate creative toolkit for deep sound exploration, featuring cutting-edge DSP and high-fidelity sound.

WHAT’S NEW
REAKTOR 6 makes advanced sonic experimentation more accessible than ever. Primary and Core Macro libraries are refined for ease of use with new categories and intuitive folder structure. Workflows are now more efficient thanks to a modernized interface, improved structure editing, and a revised property and navigation. Plus, new features like Table Framework, Bundles, and Scoped Buses unlock a new level of power to REAKTOR builders.

INTRODUCING BLOCKS
Blocks is a new framework that turns REAKTOR 6 into a fully-equipped, rack-style modular synth. Over 30 Blocks – including oscillators, filters, effects, modulators, and sequencers – come with REAKTOR 6. Among these Blocks are components from acclaimed NI synths such as ROUNDS and MONARK – all you need to start creating elaborate modular synth patches.

What's New?

introduces the player version for Reaktor 6
fixes a crash bug with AU component in Digital Performer 9
fixes a bug in the table framework, which could cause crashes on snapshot switching
fixes bugs in the core macro library (Oscillators and LFO)

Dmitry Sches Tantra v1.11

 

A wonderful effects plugin to  transform any sound (whether midi or audio) into something much more rhythmicaly complex. This is so much more than a mere effects unit though,with it's drawable shapes in the top window, giving you anything from stuttery vocals or drums to weird FX.

. I use this one quite a lot, it has lots of very excellent presets built in. Comes from the same developer as the "Diversion" vst ,so you know it's going to be a quality item.

 Tantra is a rhythmic multi-effect plug-in with a rich feature set and high quality processing modules. With Tantra you can get any kind of sound and turn it into a complex rhythmic progression, with lots of movements among the deep produced sound space.

The core of Tantra is a set of 8 multi-mode modulators, which generate rhythmic 32-step multi-stage envelopes with adjustable shape and different operating modes.

6 high quality effects process audio in Tantra and in response to the applied modulations form rhythmic pulsations in your sounds. All popular effects included: analog filter, distortion and lo-fi sections, flexible delay and flanger. Special Glitch module brings the modern "Stutter" effect on the board.

All the effects are organized as two independent layers, which allows you to produce deep and complex audio rhythms, consist of two sub-patterns.

Master equalizer and reverb at the output will help you to shape your final sound and breathe air into it.

Dune 2 .2.1 WIN (Synapse Audio)

 

This is truly one amazing instrument capable of some staggeringly beautiful rich layered sounds which comes from the dedicated unison engine it is based upon. Otherwise known as 

 Synapse Audio's eight-layer Differential Unison Engine concept.

 

 Dune 2 is  certainly an all-rounder that can deliver most of the sounds you're ever likely to want from a synth, from lush pads to thick basses and soaring leads. As well as its extensive feature set, it also boasts brilliant sound quality and unbelievably low  system resource usage.You could stack up this vst many times without noticing too much of a spike in your CPU power. I've done this several times myself in my own works.There seems something almost magical going on behind the scenes. Can't think of any other vst to be so friendly in this way!

DUNE 2 provides a higher sound quality and allows for an even wider range of sounds than Dune 1. New oscillators, filters,  effects and graphical envelopes are just some of the new additions.

We have updated DUNE 2 to v2.2. This is a major update which introduces support for custom skins, adds new effect programs, sound parameters, workflow improvements and a bunch of new patches. The update is free for all registered users.

New features:

- Support for custom skins
- Two new reverb programs added: Ambience and Gated Room
- New delay type added: Tape Delay
- Chorus gains low and high cut filters
- LFO Offset parameters added
- Plug-in keyboard range can be adjusted (default c2-c6)
- Two sync modes (host | internal) under Settings
- Arpeggiator and MSEGs now have position indicators while playing
- Performance improvements
- Factory bank size increased, now more than 440 patches

Plugin Boutique - Carbon Electra v1.1 Win/Mac

Fantastic new vst definitely aimed more at beginners with several excellent tutorials on how oscillators , envelopes etc work. A superb vst for anyone learning the ins and out of synthesis and pros too, with its very modern sounds of today. I know i love it. The stepper in particular is a great fun feature and once again quite easy to use. Check my new song out using Carbon Electra HERE if you like!

4 Oscillator subtractive synthesiser featuring informative displays, editable step sequencer, vocal filter, integrated distortion and analog control.

Plugin Boutique & Samplify Present Carbon Electra. Carbon Electra is a powerful and intuitive synth built by producers, for producers. It's a four-oscillator subjective synth with a modern feature set. It has been developed as an advanced learning tool whilst also being a powerful and easy to program synth. Being based on vintage analogue routing and featuring flexible modulation options including an editable stepper and note performer.
The graphical displays act as a comprehensive information tool aswell as an accurate guide to each parameter change. Best of all, it sounds incredible.

Key Features:
Powerful synth engine that is easy to learn and use with no hidden menus.
4 Analog style sync-able oscillators with adjustable pulse width, frequency modulation and multiple wave types including pitch-able noise.
Informative physics based graphic displays with comprehensive info pane.
6 filter types including powerful vocal filter with filter drive and saturation.
Simple, incredibly usable and useful FX section, like having a bunch of great guitar pedals.
Editable step sequencer that can be assigned to pitch, volume or cut off independently or simultaneously with various wave types and edit mode allowing node creation and line curves.
Over 600 factory presets covering sequences, chords, motions, bass, leads, keys, pads and effects.
Ability to run the amp section "too hot" into the built in optional limiter at the main output, creating a modern hyper-compressed sound.
Super flexible unison control ranging from subtle warmth to massive super saw or super square sound.
Multiple stereo width parameters allowing high precision control of the stereo field.

Artists presets by : .
Mike Huckaby // Kosheen // Freemasons // Carl Cox // DJ Pierre // D Product // Rob Lee // Dom Kane // Timo Garcia...and more.

System Requirements
Carbon Electra is compatible with most major DAW platforms, and is available for both PC and Mac.

Mac:
Audio Unit 32-bit and 64-bit.
VST 2.4 32-bit and 64-bit.
Requires OS X 10.6 or later. OS X 10.8 or higher is recommended.

Windows:
VST 2.4 32-bit and 64-bit.
Windows XP SP3, Windows 7, Windows 8.

Acoustica Mixcraft 7.5

Mixcraft is a powerful music production and multi-track recording workstation that comes packed with thousands of music loops and dozens of audio effects and virtual instruments. Mixcraft enables you to record audio, arrange loops, remix tracks, compose with MIDI and virtual instruments, add effects, score and edit video, and mix and master your tracks to create polished, professional compositions. Mixcraft is your music production dream come true, instantly turning your computer into a fully-stocked professional recording studio.

No Limits
Unleash your creativity with unlimited tracks, sounds, effects, and virtual instruments! Embrace the power of 64-bit computing with full 32-bit and 64-bit compatibility. Mixcraft's advanced technology even lets you use both 32-bit and 64-bit instruments and effects simultaneously (64-bit version only). Effortlessly adjust clips and digital audio to suit your compositions with the most powerful, best sounding time-stretching and pitch-shifting technology available.

Live Performance
Rock the house with automatically synced, non-stop audio and MIDI clip grooves using the amazingly flexible Performance Panel. Create mixes and mashups with audio warping and song slicing. Manipulate the Performance Panel under your fingers with a Novation Launchpad, MIDI controller, or even your computer's keyboard, and jam along with Mixcraft's powerful virtual instruments.

MIDI Scoring and Editing
It's never been easier to compose your own beats, patterns, and musical scores. Build custom beats and musical patterns at lightning speed using the fun and creative new step sequencer. Create and edit performances with the powerful piano roll editor. Use the notation editor to write, view, publish, and print professional-quality music scores.

Tons of Instruments and Effects
Get ready for a plethora of virtual instruments, including emulations of classic synthesizers, rock organs, and electric pianos. Build your own beats and sounds with the exclusive new Omni and Alpha Samplers that redefine ease of use. Lay down a stellar foundation with Acoustica Studio Drums, an ultra-realistic library of sampled drums and percussion. Master your tracks with a tremendous array of outstanding professional effects. Want to add more? Mixcraft has you covered with extensive third-party VST effect and instrument support. Mixcraft Pro Studio 7 is packed with over $1100.00 worth of plug-ins!

Video Editing
Mixcraft is more than just a blockbuster DAW - it is also a feature-packed pro video editing and scoring environment. Load and edit video files and still images with ease. Crossfade video clips, add transitions, and add a professional touch with fantastic video effects. Rapidly create slideshows from photo collections. Add titles and scrolling text. Remix the audio, add a soundtrack, and effortlessly render complete video projects to popular formats for DVD creation or YouTube™ upload.

Mixing and Mastering
View and edit multiple parameters simultaneously with powerful lane and clip-based automation. Use any MIDI hardware controller to automate and record a vast array of mixer, virtual instrument, and effects parameters. Mixcraft offers flexible MIDI control surface support, including support for Mackie Control compatible hardware, Novation Launchpad, Frontier Design Group Tranzport, and Acoustica's exclusive FREE Mixcraft Remote mobile app. Once your masterpiece is complete, easily publish the mix to your favorite format or burn it directly to an audio CD!

Getting Started!

To get things rolling you first need a workstation to use your VST plugins. First things first here. you will initially find some of the best and most popular DAW,s on the market. I personally would recommend Ableton Live which is quite simply the best there is in my opinion. Also Mixcraft is worth mentioning, A really good DAW which is aimed more towards beginners with less of a learning curve than say Ableton or Fruity Loops.